Tourism Cabinet Secretary Alfred Mutua has advised Kenyans to verify the legal status of Airbnb establishments before booking for safety purposes.
Airbnb is an online lodging service. The name means Air Bed and Breakfast.
In a statement on Tuesday, the CS expressed concern about the recent criminal incidences in the short-stay accommodation sector.
"It is our assurance that hospitality services in Kenya are generally safe. However, we urge the public to verify the registration and license status of facilities to ensure compliance with already outlined directives by the government and maintain quality standards," he said.
His remarks come at a time when the country is still reeling from shock following the murder of two women in accommodation establishments in South B and Roysambu.
Socialite Starlet Wahu, 26, was on January 6 found murdered in an alleged Airbnb in South B.
CCTV footage showed her checking into the building on the night of January 3 in the company of her suspected killer who has since been identified as John Matara.
Autopsy results indicated that Wahu was strangled and bled to death from a deep stab wound inflicted on her thigh.
Police were on Monday, January 15, called to yet another gory murder scene in Roysambu where the body parts of a woman murdered inside an Airbnb were found stuffed in plastic waste bags and dumped by a dustbin.
The head was missing but the family has since identified the victim.
Whereas the matter is still under investigation, police have released CCTV footage showing what they believe to be the man behind the heinous crime.
Airbnbs are regulated by the Ministry of Tourism through the Tourism Regulatory Authority (TRA).
The authority is mandated with the registration, licensing and regulating hospitality and tourism and related activities, including services provided by cottages and private residences engaged in guesthouse services.
CS Mutua affirmed the ministry's commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of all stakeholders whose safety he said remains their top-most priority.
"Regrettably, incidents involving Kenyan citizens in accommodation facilities booked through online platforms have occurred. Several platforms have distanced themselves from these isolated cases," he said.
"To uphold the integrity of our tourism industry, the Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, through the Tourism Regulatory Authority, will rigorously enforce compliance, taking legal action against any violations of TRA licensing laws. Late renewals will be subject to penalties and other consequences as stipulated by law," Mutua warned.
Meanwhile, the CS revealed that the ministry is in the process of reviewing the current TRA regulations to improve business practices.
He said the revised regulations will be subjected to public participation with input from tourism and hospitality players used to foster closer cooperation with accommodation providers.
"Together, we aim to restore and strengthen the confidence of visitors in the safety and security of our diverse and beautiful accommodation facilities," he said.
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